Electronic control apparatus for positioned device



Aug. 19, i947. w. H. GILLE, -:rAL

ELECTRONIC CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POSITIONED DEVICE Filed Nov. 1e, 1942 s sheets-sheet 1 @7 a /a Maij #e 55% /ai 'E [j] Aug 19, 1947- w. H. GILLE Erm. 2,425,733

ELECTRONIC CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POSITIONED DEVICE Filed Nov. 18, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 /I N N E E E HEL/n' /N REMY our /i'EL/YY /N (ttorneg Aug 19, i947- w. H. @ILLE ETAL 2,425,733

ELECTRONIC CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POSITIONED DEVICE Filed Nov. 18, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 50 ,mi i

nventoni Gttorneg Patented ug. 19, 194'?s UNITED STATES P'TNT OFFICE ELECTRONIC CONTROL APPARATUS FOR POSITIONED DEVICE Delaware Application November 18, 1942, Serial No. 466,008

27 Claims. 1

This invention relates to electronic amplifiers, and particularly to amplifiers adapted for use in control systems of the type wherein a device is controlled in accordance with an electrical signal produced by means responsive to a controlling condition.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved control system responsive to a variable condition, wherein a load device is operated either intermittently or continuously, depending on the magnitude of said condition. Another object is to provide, in such a system, means for establishing the limit of a first range of values of said condition wherein said load device is not operated, means for establishing the limit of a second range of values of said condition wherein said load device is operated intermittently, and means for independently varying said limits.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in a. normally balanced control system of the type described, improved means for preventing hunting of the system. A further object is to prevent hunting of the system by increasing the sensitivity of the system when the controlling condition is changing rapidly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved amplifier circuit for use in an electrical control system wherein it is desired to operate a load device either intermittently for periods of varying lengths or continuously, dependent upon the magnitude of an electrical signal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved amplifier circuit for use in motor control system of the type shown in the co-pending application of Willis H. Gille, Serial No. 447,989, led June 22, 1942.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved amplifier circuit for controlling the operation of a relay in accordance with a variable condition. A still further object is to provide, in such an amplifier, a circuit operated by the relay and effective to decrease the sensitlvity of the amplifier so as to cause intermittent operation of the relay.

Other objects and advantages of our invention Will become apparent from a consideration of the Figure 1 is an electrical wiring diagram 0fapliiier circuit of Figure 1 may advantageously be used,

Figure 3 is Va graphical representation of the operation of the amplifier circuit of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the operation of a diierent portion of the amplifier circuit of Figure l,

Figure 5 is an electrical wiring 'diagram of a modified form of amplifier circuit embodying the l principles of our invention,

Figure 6 is an electrical wiring diagram illustrating a modification of a portion of the amplifier circuit of Figure 1, and

Figure 7 is a graphical representation of the l operation of the amplifier circuit of Figure 6.

Figures 1 and 2 Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a system for controlling the movements of the rudder of an aircraft in accordance with the vdeiiection of a directional gyroscope, diagrammatically indicated 4at I0, from a normal position. The gyroscope I0 is indicated as rotating a shaft I I whenever the aircraft on which the gyroscope is mounted changes its direction. Fixed on the shaft II is a slider I2, which cooperates with a slidewire resistance I3. The slider I2 and the resistance |3 together form a control potentiometer I4.

The resistance I3 is connected in an electrical network I5, of the Wheatstone bridge type. The network I5 also includes a slidewire resistance I6, with which is associated a slider I1. The resistance I6 and slider I1 together form a follow- 5 up potentiometer I8. The network I5 is supplied es a pair of gears and 3|, o on shafts 32 and 33, respectively.

cated at 34, to a driving shaft 35. Similarly, the

appended specification, claims and drawing, in T 32 is connectable, through an electri- Which: i'/5u/ililr/operable clutch device schematically indiamplifler circuit embodying the princinf' our invention /f Y Figure 2 1s a somewhratfdifwhlerem hrepre shaft 33 is connectable by an electrically operable clutch device schematically indicated at 36 to a driving shaft 31. The shafts 35 and 31 carry gears 38 and 39, respectively, which mate with each other so that the shafts 35 and 37 rotate in opposite directions. The gear 38 operatively engages a gear 4| which is driven by a continuously running motor d2.

The motor Q2 may be supplied with electrical energy from any suitable source, as for example a ybattery 3. An energizing circuit for motor 'S2 may be traced from the upper terminal of battery 43 through conductors S and 45, motor 2, a conductor E5, ground connections 4l and 48, and a conductor i9 to the lower terminal of battery .43.

The battery i3 also supplies electrical energy to a converter 5|, which may be of any conventional type, and serves to supply alternating electrical energy to an amplifier 52, which is disclosed in detail in Figure l. The direct current input circuit for converter 5| may be traced from the upper terminal of battery 153 through conductors ill-i and 53, converter 5|, a conductor 54, ground connections 55 and 4S, and conductor 49 to the lower terminal not battery The converter 5| supplies alternating electrical energy through conductors 56 and 51 to power inp-ut terminals 5S and auf amener The slider i2 is connected through a shielded Conduct@ iii i0 .an input terminal 62 of a-mplier 52.- The slider Il, which serves as the other output terminal of network 5, is connected through a conductor 63 to ground at S9. The other input terminal 65 of amplilier 52 is grounded as at 68.

As explained in greater detail hereinafter in connection with the description of Figure 1, the amplifier 52 selectively controls the conductivity of energizing circuits for the electrically operated clutches 35 and 35. lThe energizing circuit for clutch S may be traced from the upper terminal of battery d3 through a conductor 69, a terminal 6l of amplifier 52, a contact |66 (see Figure l), a switch arm |65, a terminal 88, a conductor 69, clutch 3e, a conductor 70 ground connections 1| and 8, and conductor i9 to the lower terminal of battery 93. The energizing circuit for clutch 36 may be traced fromthe upper terminal of battery 43 through a conductor 13, a terminal l of amplifier 52, switch arm |51 (see Fig. l), a contact |68, a terminal 15, a conductor 76, clutch 38, a conductor ll, ground connections 7 8 and G8, and conductor i9 to the lower terminal of battery 43.

Suitable switch means may be provided for shutting down the entire system when not in use.`

Also, limit switch means may loe provided for selectively preventing energization of one or the other of the clutches when the follow-up potentiometer, or its load, reaches the end of its range of travel. Suitable switching arrangements for both of these purposes are shown, for example, in the Gille application, Serial No. 447,989, dated June 2,2, 1942, previously mentioned.

Referring to Figure l, there are show-n the details of the amplifier circuit 52. rI'his amplifier comprises a rst preliminary voltage amplification stage 8 3, a second preliminary voltage ampliication stage 8|, and a final power amplication stage 8,2. The amplifier 52 also includes a rectier circuit 83 for supplying power to the preliminary stages 89 and 8| and to provide suitable biasing potentials for the second stage 8| and the nal stage 82.

The fir-st amplification stage 85 includes an electric discharge device, shown as a triode 8,4, which may be, for example, one-half of a twin triode of the type known commercially as type TF7. The triode 84 includes an anode 85, a control electrode 86, a cathode 81, and a heater filament 88.

A resistance 90 is connected across the input terminals 62 and 65 of amplifier 52, so that any signal potential appearing between those terminals causes a `Correspending current flow through resistance 9G. The resistance 90 is provided with an adjustable tap 9| which serves in a well known manner to control the gain of the amplier 52.

The input vcircuit of amplifier stage may be traced from control electrode 86 through a shielded `conductor 82, tap 9|, a portion of resistance 9,0, terminal 6,5, and ground connections 66 and 93 to cathode 81. The output circuit of stage 88 may be traced from a conductor 94, which serves as the positive terminal of the output circuit power supply, through a load resistance 95, anode 85, and cathode 81 to ground at 93, the ground connection serving as the negative terminal of the output circuit power sup-ply.

The second amplifier stage 8| includes a triode 96 having an anode 0l', a control electrode 98, a cathode 99, and a heater filament |08. The triodes 84| and 96 may be, for example, the two halves of a single TF7 twin triode. The input circuit of the stage 8| may be traced from con, trol electrode 98 through resistances lill and |02, a tap |03, the lower portion of a resistance |04, a variable resistance |05, a terminal |06, a tap |07, the left portion of a resistance |03, a conductor |09, and ground connections U0 and ||2 to cathode 99. A resistance |.|3 is connect.- ed between positive power supply terminal 9.4 and the upper terminal of resistance |04. This, connection applies a positive bias potential to this input circuit. The magnitude of this positive bias potential is determined by the setting of tap |03 along resistance |04. The resistance |08 is so connected to the rectifier circuit 83 that its grounded left terminal is positive with respect to its right terminal. The tap I illl therefore is negative with respect to ground, and the negative potential between tap |01 and ground opposes the positive bias potentiel DleViOllSly described. A condenser H4 is connected between the upper terminal of resistance |05 and ground, for a purpose to be more lfully described hereinafter. Circuits are provided for connecting the terminal |06 directly to ground, thereby shunting the portion of resistance |00 between tap |01 and its left terminal. These circuits may be traced from terminal |86 through a conductor H5, and thence either through a conductor IB, a contact ||'l, and a switch arm 8 to ground at H9, or through a conductor |28, a Contact |2|, and a switch arm |22 to ground at |23. Variations in the potential of anode j caused by variations in the output current of the stage 8|) are coupled to the input circuit of stage 8| through a blocking condenserl |24 and a conductor |25.

The output circuit of stage 8| may be traced from positive supply terminal 9d through load resistance l anode 91, and cathode 99 to ground at ||2.

The final power amplicationstage 82 includes a twin triode |30, which may berof the type commercially known as type 7N?. .The twin triode |30 includestwo triodes |3.| and |32. The tri. ode |3I has an anode |33, a control electrode |34, a cathode |85, and a' heater lament |36. The triode |32 includes ananode |31, a control electrode |38, a cathode |39, and a heater lament |48.

The power amplication stageZn has a com-4 with respectY to ground.

non input circuit for' both the triodes |3| and |32. This common input vcircuit malvr be traced from either control electrode |34 or control electrode |38 through conductors 42 and |43, a resistance |44, a conductor |45, a tap |46, the left hand portion of a resistance |41, and ground connections ||0 and |4| to cathodes |35 and |39. Variations in the potential of the anode 91 caused byV variations in the output current of the second amplier stage 8| are transmitted to the common input circuit of the final stage 82 through a blocking condenser |48 and a conduc- 'tor |49 to conductor |42 in the common input circuit. The resistance |41 is so connected to the rectifier circuit 83 that the tap |46 is negative The setting of tap |46 with respect to resistance |41 therefore determines a negative bias potential applied'to the common input circuit of linal stage 82, and hence the normal current flow in the output circuit of that stage. Y

The output circuit of iinal stage 82 is divided into two branches, each of which includes one of the triodes |3| and |32. Both branches of the output circuit of stage 82 are supplied with alternating electrical energy from a secondary winding 5| of a transformer |52. The transformer |52 also includes a primary winding |53 andY two additional secondary windings |54 and |55.

The upper branch of the output circuit of final stage 82 may be traced from the upper terminal of secondary wiinding |5| through a winding |56 of a relay |58 and a condenser |51 connected in parallel with winding |56, anode |33, cathode |35, and ground connections |4| and |59 to mid-point tap |60 on trans-former secondary winding |5|. The lower branch of the final stage output circuit may be traced f from the lower terminal of secondary winding |5| through a winding |6| of a relay |62 and a condenser |63 in parallel with the winding |6|, anode |31, cathode |39, and ground connections |4| and |59 to mid-point tap |60 on winding |5|.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that the two branches of the output circuit of nal stage 82 may be conductive on opposite half cycles of the alternating energy supplied by the Winding |5|. That is, the triode |3| may be conductive during the half cycles when the upper terminal of winding |5| is positive with respect-l to the center tap |50, while the triode |32 may be conductive during the half cycles when the lower terminal of secondary winding |5| is positive with respect to center tap |60. The secondary winding |54 of transformer |52 is connected through the terminals 20 and 2| to the network I5. Therefore, any signal which appears between the output terminals of network I5 is of the same frequency as the energy supplied to the Iinal output stage 82. In accordance with the well-known characteristics of alternating current bridge circuits, it will be understood that the time phase of such a signal depends upon the direction of unbalance of the network |5 If the phase of the signal is such that the control electrodes |34 and |38 are positive when the upper terminal of secondary winding |5| is positive, the current flow through triode |3| is increased above the normal value determined by the setting of tap |46 on resistance 41, while if the phase of the signal is such that the control electrodes |34- and |38 are positive when the lower terminal of secondary winding |5| is positive, the current ilow through the triode 32 is increased.

Condensers |51 and |63 operate to maintain energization of therelay windings |56 and |6|, respectively, over a period longer than the half cycles during which the triodes associated with the respective relays-are conductive. During the half cycle when the triode is conductive, the triode supplies the current flowing through the relay winding and also charges the condenser. During the half cycle when the triode is non-` conductive, the condenser discharges through the relay winding, thereby maintaining the current flow.

Relay |58 includes, in addition to the winding |56, the switch arms |22 and |65, previously mentioned. Both the switch arms |22 and |65 are biased to the-circuit opening position and are moved to circuitrclosing position upon sufficient energization of relay winding |56. V

The relay |62 similarly includes, in addition to winding |6|, the switch arms ||8 and |61, previously mentioned. Both switch arms ||0 and |61 are biased to the circuit opening position and aremoved to their circuit closing position upon sufficient energization of winding |6|.

The rectifier circuit 83 which supplies unidirectional electrical energy to the output circuits of stages and 8| is energized from secondary winding |55r of transformer |52. Thisl rectifier circuit includes a tube which may bev a rectifier tube or a twin triode |69, which may be of the type commercially known asl type 7F'1. The twin triode |69 includes a rst triode |10 having an anode |1|, a control Yelectrode |12, a cathode |13, and a heater lament |14. The second triode is generally indicated at |15, and includes an anode |16,a control electrode |11, a cathode |18, and a heater filament |19. .The rectifier circuit is of the half-wave typ'ef The control electrodes of the triodes are connected directly to their respective cathodes, so that each triode isconductive when a potential of suitable polarity is applied between its anode and cathode. On the half cycles when the upper terminal of secondary winding |55v is positive, current il'ows therefrom through anode |1| and cathode |13 oftriode |10 to a conductor |86, and through the parallel circuit including anode |16 and cathode |18 of triode |15 to conductorV |80. The current supplied to the output circuits of stages 80 and 8| passes from conductor |80 through a lter network comprising a resistance |8| and condensers |82 and |83 connected betweeny the opposite terminals of the resistance |8| and ground. After passing through the lter network, the current ows along conductor |84 to conductor 94 which serves as the positive power supply terminal for the output circuits of stages 80 and 8|. The various Vground connections serve as the negative power supply terminals for these output circuits. The current supplied by the rectifier circuit 83 ilows through the various output circuits and ground connections to ground connection I0, through the network formed by resistances |41, |08, and |85, and thence through a conductor |86 tothe lower terminal oftransformer secondary winding |55. It should be ,noted that the direction of current flow through resistances |08 and |41 is such as to make their left terminals positive with respect to their right terminals, as indicated by the legend in the drawing. AA filter condenser |88 is connected between conductor |86 and ground, and another llter condenser |81 is connected between tap |46 and ground.

The heater laments 88,100, |36, |40, |714, and

|19 may he connected to any suitable ssi-lires 0f electrical energy .(not shown).

In order Vto-aid those skilled in .theart inconstructing van amplifier in accordance Withourinf Ventron, the following table is appended. `giving values o f the -varicus resistances andcpndensers used in one embodiment of our invention:

.Reference Character Quantity 10,000 ohms. 54 megohm. megohm.

.05 ,megohm .05 microfarad. 1 microfarad.

5,000 ohms.

. l microfarads. l0-microfarads. 0.1 megohrn.V

12 microfaiads. l2 microfarads.

Operation of Figures 1 and 2 When the sliders 2 .and I'l are in the positions shoivninFigure 2, the-network 5 is balancedand n signal potential is impressed-.on the input terminals 562 and B5 of amplifier 5 2. Under these conditions, neitherlof the relays lfiand |.62isenergized, and hence neither of the clutches 35 and as is energized. The Shaft 24,-.the'f011Qw-up slider .1I-land the rudder ofthe aircraft .therefore remain stationary.

.In this specification, either vo f the relay windings |56 or 16|, or ,either ofthe relays |58 and |52, may be .described .as energized Whenever the current now through the Winding in question is sufcient tomove the associatedswitch arms to, orto hold themin, their attractedpositions. The windings or relays may be described as .deenergized .Whenever the 4current .flow is ,such that th'e switcharms are in their retracted positions.

1f the aircraft deflects from the course which it is .desired to maintain, thegyroscope lll operates the slider 2 ,across the resistance i3. -Let it be assumed that a deflection takes place in a .idirection Vsuch that ,slider .lf2 is moved to the .left across resistance +3. V{dlider |.2 thereby `assumes a .potential nearer to that of .input .terminal than A.the potential y.of slider .I1-to terminal 2.0. A signal ,potential is therefore ,impressed on the input terminals .of amplifier .52, and .the phase .of this signal is the .same as that which would be obtained if bridge input terminal 420 were con-A nected to arnplifler input .terminal 52, .and bridge inputV terminal "2| ,Were .connected -.to amplifier input terminal 6.5. Let it be .assumed that .the amplier 52 reacts to .asignal of this phase ,by causing energization of .Winding .I 5 6 of relay |58. .Energization of winding y|56 .causes switch arm |65 to engage contactfli, thereby completing the energizing circuit 'for clutch34. vIt may be assumed that motor 42 rotates in :such a ldirection, when clutch 34 Ais energized, that shaft 21| 'rotatesiin a counterclockwise direction, Athereby moving sliderll] to nth'e :left along resistance i6. As soon as thisrnotion ofsliderll'l .hasprogressed far .enough so.1.that pits .potential kequals th'ato'f., slider |2, .the signal .impressed .on the .input Yterminals of amplifier .52.;is .reduced .to .'zero, thereby causing deenergizationof .clutch 34 YUand stopping ofthe shaftZ."

In a similar manner, it may be observed that if thesuderllz movestto tne'n'ght from the posi; tionshowninthe drawing, itthereby attains apo-f tential closer to thatofbrid'geinput terminal .2| thanthat of slider to terminal 2|. A signal potential is thereby impressed on the input ter-r` Ininals of .amplifier 52. The phase of this' signal is th'e same as that which would be obtained if terminal 2| were connected to ampliierinputten minalt? and terminal .20 were connected to .arnpliiierinput terminal 65. .This signal is therefore of a .phase opposite to that obtained under .the

conditions just discussed. This signal causes the' amplifier to energize winding |6I pf vrelay |512, thereby causing .switch arm |151` to .engage con tact 68 and complete the energizing circuit for clutch 36. Energization of clutchn causes .shaft 24 `to be rotated in a direction vopposite .to ,that caused by energization of clutch 34. The `shaft [24 therefore moves clockwise, driving the .slider I1 to the right along resistance [6 in aY direction to rebalance the network I5.

If the shaft 24 is rotating too rapidly as the slider l] approaches .the point at which the network I5 Will be rebalanced, .the slider Iv] .may oversh'o'ot the balance point because of the '.inertiaof the moving vparts ofthe system. `If such overshooting occurs, a hunting condition Ais set up, wherein the slider .IJ oscillates v'back and forthy about thev balance point. In other words, the slider hunts -for the balance point .Without finding it. In order to ,prevent the establishment of such hunting conditions, we have provided means for establishing a range of `positions eX- tending a short `distance on either side of the balance point, wherein ,the Vslider I1 .maycome to rest, even .though the bridge circuit |5 .may be slightly unbalanced. This range of positions is known as the dead spot. Means are ,pro- .Vided for .adjusting Uhr width 0f this rane? 0f position, and this means Ais referred to Aas the dead spot, or sensitivity, adjustment. .This dead spot is of courseeifcctive .with respect to either the control slider `I2 ,or vthe follow-upfslider jil. We have also provided .means for .reducing the tendency of tthe system 1to hunt by Provid- .ingfm a .SIQWGI .average rate .0f ,Qpcliatien 0f Shaft 4243 when ,the unbalanee yof Anetwork(L5 .is lsmall 1tlfian-vvhen the unbalanceistlarge. rIn our system, if fthe control slider ,t2 movesfbeyond the dead Snot, .the amplier `Circuit eauses `intermittent energizzation .of one of ,the .clutches 34- and 36. After'the slider t2 lfiraspassed ,through a second range of positions, hereinafter reierred Ato .as the intermittent range, fthe particular clutch selected in accordance vwiththe directionof unbalanceof 'the ,bridge circuit is continuously energized. vlik/leans Yhave been providedin our cir- CfQl fdeiefminng .the @mount rQf unbalance or the .bridge `circuit L5 yrequired to cause 4continuous yenerglzation ,of one -.of the clutches. .lnf'order to understand the manner ,in .which this operatingcharacterifsticjof the amplifier and system'is obtained, ,it is ...necessary .irst to 4,considerfthe input fpotentiai-.outfput current characteristic Qf 'the' second l.'ainpliiication Jstage vl 81. filh' .characteristic isccinpletely described in de'- tai'l 1Gopending anplicaticndof :Y/illis Stile. ,.Serim .Na entre, filed June 1.9.42, previously l referred to.- Vliheregforeit :will he mentioned but .briey Ain ,the present application. Referring to Figure .3, there yis shown l'atA .the normal input ,voltage-output Scurrent .characteristic of thetriode '-96. -Because'ofthe' highfresistance (1/2 megohm) |U`I"`-`connected in" series with the control electrode 08, and because the input circuit is biased positively through resistance |02, tap |03, and resistances |04 and ||'3, the stage 8| as a whole does not have the same characteristic as the triode A. The positive biasing voltage causes a current to flow through resistance and from the control electrode to the cathode in the triode 06. This current, iiowing through resistance |0i, produces thereacross a potential drop which effectively maintains the control electrode S8 at a value only slightly positive with respect to the cathode 99, whenever the resultant voltage impressed on the input circuit of the left terminal of resistance |0| is positive. Therefore, the stage 8i as a whole has an input voltage-output current characteristic which follows the curve A until a slightly positive value of input potential is reached, after which further increases in the input potential cause no change in the output current. whole therefore follows the curve A Vwhen the input potential is negative or just slightly positive, and thereafter abruptly changes and follows the straight line B of Figure 3.

' First consider the operation of the amplifier circuit including stage 8|, as if the circuit controlled by the switch arms |22 and H8 were not present. nder such conditions, two potentials are appliedto the input circuit of stage 8|. One of these potentials is the biasing potential applied thereto through tap |03 and resistance |02. The other is the signal potential which is applied to the input circuit through the blocking condenser 124 and conductor |25. The biasing potential is determined by the division of the potential drop existing between positive supply terminal 04 and ground along the connection which includes resistances I3, |04, |05, a portion of resistance |08, conductor |00, and ground connection H0. The values of these resistances should be so chosen and related to the potential existing between supply line 94 and ground, and to the negative potential existing between ground and tap ll, that the potential of tap |03 is positive. The particular value of the potential `at tap |03 is primarily adjusted by moving that tap along the resistance |04. The potential at tap |03 is also affected, however, by the setting of variable resistance |05, and by the position of tap Il with respect to resistance |08. It Will be readily understood that if either of these last two resistances are varied, the resistance between supply line S4 and ground along the voltage divider connection previously traced is changed, and the proportionality between the division of this voltage across the various resistances is also changed.

yIn considering the operation of this circuit, it may for convenience be assumed that the setting of tap |03 is such that the potential at the right hand terminal of resistance |02 has a positive value such as indicated at C in Figure 3. Let it be further assumed that 'an alternating signal potential of constant amplitude, as indicated at D in Figure 3, is impressed through blocking condenser |24 to the same point in the input circuit of the stage 8|. Because of the positive bias potential C, only the negative peaks of the signal potential D are effective to cause variations in the output current of the stage 8|. These varations in the output current are indicated by the curves Ein Figure 3. These output current variations E cause equal and opposite variations in the potential of the anode 91, because of the The characteristic of the stage as a change in the potential drop across load resistance These potential variation-s are transmitted through the blocking condenser |48 to the input circuit of the nal Vstage 82, where they cause corresponding variations in the current flow through one or the other of the triodes |3| and |32, depending on the phase of the signal. These current variations in the output circuit of the iinal stage may be represented by the curves F in Figure 4. 4

The relays controlled by the nal stage 82' have an operating current differential, as is common in such devices. In other Words, the current ow therethroughl must exceed a predetermined value, which may be represented by the line G in Figure 4, before the relay moves its switch arms to their attracted positions; but after the switch arms have been moved to their attracted positions, the current fiow through the relay winding must drop to a lower valuewhich may be indicated by the line H in Figure 4, before the -switch .arms move to their retracted positions.

When a current such as that represented by the curve F nows through one of the triodes of the nal stage 82, the condenser in parallel with the relay associated with that triode is charged, and after theV current pulse F has terminated, thisl charge ows through the relay winding, tending to maintain it energized. The current ow through the relay winding caused by the discharging currentof the condenser may be represented by the curve K in Figure 4. Since the curves K of Figure 4 do not pass belowl the line H before the next current impulseV F occurs, it may be seen that the relay is continuously energized when the current impulses reaching the relay have the magnitude indicated by the curve F. Therefore, if the circuits controlled bythe switch arms ||8 and |22 are disregarded, and an alternating signal of constant amplitude D is impressed on the amplifier circuit, the relay selected in accordance with the phase of the, input signal is continuously energized.

The effect of the circuits controlled by the switch arms ||8 and |22 may now be considered. As soon as one of the relays is energized, and. moves its associated switch arms to their attracted position, a circuit is completed from the terminal |06 in the input circuit of stage 8l to ground at either H9 or |23. This connection shunts the left hand portion of resistance |08. The potential of terminal |06, which was previously somewhat negative with respect to ground due to the potential drop along resistance |08, is now suddenly changed to ground potential. When the terminal |06` :assumes a potential more positive than that which it previously had, this change is reflected in all points along the voltage divider connection including resistlances ||3, |04, and |05. The change in the potential of points separated from rterminal' |06 by one or more resistance elements is delayed by the action of condenser ||4, since a certain time is required for the flow of a charging current sufficient to change the charge on condenser ||4 to correspond with the new conditions in the circuit. The potential at the tap |03 therefore gradually increases in a positive direction. The values of condenser i |4 and the various resistances may be so chosen that the potential at the right hand terminal ci resistance |02 changes along the curve indicated at L in Figure 3. The effect of the change in potential represented by the curve L in Figure 3 on the net input potential of the stage 8| is illustrated by the curve M in Figure 3, which represents the sum. of the curves D and L.

It may be seen by reference to Figure 3, that the effect of the curve L is to reduce the magnitude of the negative peaks of the signal potential. During the second cycle of the signal D, the potential represented -by the curve L has increased positively to an extent great enough so that it prevents any variation in the output current. The variations in the output current caused by the signal M are shown at N in Figure 3. These output current variations N cause corresponding output variations in the output current of the final stage 82, which are indicated by the curves P in Figure 4. The condensers connected in parallel with` the relays cause the energization of the relays to hold over after the termination of the impulses P, the hold-over energization of the relays varying as indicated by the curves Q in Figure 4. It may therefore be seen that the relay selected is energized from the time when the curve P crosses the line G in an increasing direction, until the time when the curve Q crosses the line H in a decreasing direction. This time ofv energization ofy the rela-y is illustrated by the shaded area appearing above the curve in Figure. 4. As soon as the relay is deenergized, the circuit connect-ing terminal |06 with ground is opened, and the input circuit of the stage 8| tends to resume its normal condition of potential distribution and depends for'its length upon the value of P which in turn is dependent upon the magnitude of the signal potential received from the bridge. The establishment of this condition is delayed, however, by the` time required for the charging current of condenser I I 4 to flow through the various resistances involved. The potential variation in the input circuit of stage 8l due to the opening of the shunt between terminal |06 and ground, and the resultant charging of condenser H4 may be represented by the curve R inl Figure 3*. As soon as the conditions inthe input circuit of stage 8| have resumed their normal value, the cycle of energization and deenergization of the relay is repeated as before.

It may therefore be seen that the effect of the circuit controlled by the switch arms IIS and` |22 is to cause intermittent energization of the relays. at times when the signal applied to the input, circuit ofthe stage 8| would otherwise cause continuous energizationof the relay. It willbe obvious that asthe-value of the signal potential received from the bridge I` increases, thelength of the relay in periods is similarly increased in length. until the relay is continuously energized.

The positive biasingpotential-C determinesthe amplitude of the signal. potential D necessary to cause energization of one of the relays. Therefore, the adjustment ofthe value of this positive biasing potential determines the width of the dead spot in the network I5. The dead spot, or sensitivity of the system may therefore be adjusted by moving the tap |03 with respect to theV resistance |04.

The adjustment of tapl |01 along resistance |08 establishes the outer limit of the intermittent range of unbalance conditions of the bridge circuit I5. For; example. it, may be seen that movement of the tap |01 to the leftY along resistance |08 changes theamplitude of the potential change represented by the curves L and R. in Figure 3. Movement of the tap |01 to the left for example, decreases the change in potential effected when the switches I|8.or |222V are. closed.

tent range of unbalance of the bridge circuit I5.

Adjustment of resistance |05 varies the time constant of the charging and discharging circuit of condenser H4, and therefore varies the slope of the curves L and R in Figure 3. By adjusting the resistance |05, the frequency of the intermittent operations of the relay may be adjusted.

As the unbalance signal potential at the terminals of the bridge circuit increases from zero, intermittent operation of one of the relays is initiated as soon as the signal potential exceeds a first predetermined value, which is -determined chiefly by the setting of tap |03 on resistance When the signal potential decreases from a value greater than said rst value, however, it has been found that the intermittent operation of the relay continues until the signal reaches another value lower than said rst value. It is believed that there are tWo factors responsible for this effect. One of these factors is the charge on the condenser in parallel with the relay winding, which never quite dies ldown to zero between two successive current impulses. The second of two successive current impulses therefore starts with the condenser partially charged. A smaller proportion of the current impulse is then required to charge the condenser, and a greater proportion is available to energize the relay. Hence, a smaller current impulse is effective to cause energization of the relay if that impulse is preceded by one or more similar impulses, than is the case when the impulse in question must initiate relay operation after it has been deenergized for an appreciable time. The other factor which contributes to this effect is the residual magnetism in the relay core. Since the current flow through the relay winding is always of the same polarity, a residual flux exists after each current impulse, which flux, although small, exerts an attractive force on the relay armature, so that less force is required to be supplied by the next current impulse. This residual magnetism dies down as a function of time, so that it is effective to increase the sensitivity of the system only during a continued series of `current impulses, and does not affect the operation of the relay by the first of the series. These two factors, the charge stored on the condenser in parallel with the relay winding and the residual magnetism in the relay core, cooperate, in effect, to increase the sensitivity of thesystem during the rebalancing phase of its operation over the sensitivity which exists at the time the system is rst unbalanced.

This differential between the sensitivity of the syst-em at the time of rst unbalance and the sensitivity during rebalance aids materially in preventing the establishmentV of hunting conditions. When the system approaches a balanced condition, it may overshoot appreciably without causing a reversal of theunbalance signal. potentialg suflicientrto. initiate energization of the opposite relay and start reverse. movement of the driven load.

A somewhat diiferent'fanti-hunting effect may be observedl in this system when the sensitivity is adjusted substantially to its maximum, or, in other words, when the dead spot has been made very small. In such a case, if the system slowly approaches a balanced condition, the operation will be the same as that discussed immediately above. If the unbalance of the system is rapidly changing, however, so that the tendency of the system to overshoot is increasedthen the system eanticipates such an overshooting, and the relay which initiates operation of the rebalancing potentiometer in the reverse directionis energized before the limits of the dead spot is exceeded.

,The cause of this mode of operation is not positively known, but it is 4believed that the variations in potential at tap |03 which are caused by the operation of the switch arms I I8 and |22 and by the -condenser I I4 are in turn the cause of a charging and discharging of the condenser |24 to accommodate the variations in th'e potential across it. The charging current of the condenser |24, flowing through resistance 95, is believed to have the effect of shifting the signal'wave applied to the input stage 8| in a negative sense, so that a smaller signal is effective to cause energization of one of the relays. If the unbalance of the systern changes so rapidly that the signal potential changes from one phase to the opposite before the potential represented by the curve R (Fig, 3) dies down, then the charging -current for the condenser |24has the effect of increasing the sensitivity of the system, so that the shaft 24 is reversed before it otherwise would be, thereby anticipating the reversal of the rebalancing potentiometer and eifectively damping the tendency of the system to hunt.

Figure 5 Y There is shown in Figure 5 another embodiment of our invention, in which Vthe input circuit of the stage 8| has been modified so that the width of the dead spot and the width of the intermittent range may be adjusted entirely independently of each other. The parts of this circuit which are the Vsame as the corresponding parts in Figure 1 have been given the same reference characters, while circuit elements diiferent from those in Figure 1 have been assigned reference characters in the 200 series. Generally speaking, the only parts of this circuit different from the corresponding parts of Figure 1 are the input circuit of the stage 8|, and certain details of the rectifier circuit 83.

In the circuit of Figure 5, the resistances |01 and |02 in the input circuit of stage 8| are connected through a resistance The lower terminal of resistance 20| is connected to ground at 202 through a resistance 203 and a parallel condenser 204. The lower terminal of resistance 20| is also connectable to the positive terminal of the rectier circuit 83 through a connection which may be traced through conductor 205 and thence either through a conductor 20B, a'contact 201, and a switch arm 208 to a conductor 2|0, or through a conductor 2| I, a contact 2 I2, and a switch arm 2 I3 to conductor 2 I0. From terminal 2 I 0 the connection is completed through a variable resistance 2|4 and a xed resistance 2I5 to a conductor 2|6 associated with the positive output terminal of the rectifier circuit 83.

It may be stated that the potential at the lower terminal of resistance 20| in the input circuit of the stage 8| is determined by means of two voltage divider circuits. One of these voltage dividers is connected between conductor 94 and ground, and comprises the fixed resistance ||3 14 and theresistance |04, along which the tap |03 is movable. This voltage divider circuit is always connected to the input circuit and is effective to determine the positive biasing potential C of Figure 3. The second voltage divider circuit may be traced from conductor 216 as its positive terminal through resistances 2 5 and 2 I 4, either switch arm 208 and contact 201 or switch arm 2|3 and contact 2|2, and thence through resistance 203 and condenser 204 to ground. Since this second circuit is normally open,V it does not normally affect the biasing potential onthe input circuit of stage 8|. Therefore adjustment of the resistance 2 I 4 affects only the magnitude of the potential periodically applied to the input circuit of stage 8| when one ofthe switch arms 208 or 2|3 is closed, and does not disturb the magnitude of the biasing potential determined by the setting of tap |03. Therefore, in the circuit of Figure 5 adjustment of the dead spot of the system does not affect the adjustment of the intermittent range. Considering the dead spot and the intermittent rangein the terms of distances along the resistance I3 and the control potentiometer I4, then it may be stated that in the circuit of Figure 5, that as' the dead spot is increased in width, the width of the intermittent range does not change, but the entire range is merely shifted to the left or right. In the circuit of Figure 1, however, when lthe dead spot width is changed, a compensating change takes place in the Width of the intermittent range, so that the outer limit of the intermittent range does not change when the dead spot is changed.

The rectier circuit shown in Figure 5 includes a twin diode 220, which may .be of the type commercially known as 7Y4. The twin diode 220 includes a first diode 22| having an anode 222, a cathode 223; and a heater filament 224. The second diode is generally indicated at 225,V and includes an anode 226, a cathode 221, and a heater filament 228. The operation of this rectifier circuit is generally similar to that shown in Figure l, except that this is a full wave rectifier, whereas that in Figure 1 is a half wave rectifier. Its output circuit may be traced from the conductor 2 I6 which functions as a positive terminal, through a lter network which comprises a choke coil 230 and condensers 23| and 232 connected between the opposite terminals of the coil 230 and ground. After passing through the lter network, the output Vcurrent of the rectier circuit flows through a conductor 233 to conductor 94, which acts as the positive terminal for the output circuits of stages and 8|. The current supplied by the rectifier circuit passes through the various output circuits and the ground connections therein to the ground connection 234, and thence through a resistance 235 and a conductor 236 to a center tap on transformer winding |55. A filter condenser 240 is connected between conductor 236 and terminal 2|3.

A tap 238 associated with resistance 235 is connected through a conductor 231 to the conductor |42 in the common input circuit of the final amplifying stage 82, Adjustment of the tap 238 along resistance 235 determines the negative biasing potential applied to the input circuit of final stage 82.

lThe various heater filaments may be connected to any suitable source of electrical energy (not shown).

The following table gives values of the Various resistances and condensers in Figure 5 which l 115 havet been used; in' oneembodiment of: that.v cir.- cuit:-

Reference Character' Quantity 10,000 ohms. i megohm. megohm. 1 megohm. l megohm. y; megohm. M megohm. ..05 microfarad. .05 microfarad. 1l microfarad; l niegohm. 0.1 megohm. .05 microfarad; '0.5 niegohm. 0.1 megohm. 4,000 ohmsD. C. resistance, henries inductance. microfarad. .05 microfarad. .05 megohrn.

V.05 microfarad.

Figures' 6 and 7 In` Figure 6 is shown amodication of the circuit of. Figure` 1 which may be used in` case a somewhat shorter time is desired between the successive intermittent energizations of therelays.` In this circuit, the variable resistance |05 of. Figure 1 has been replaced by afixed resistance- |92. The condenser H4 of Figure 1 has beeny replacedy by a` condenser |9| connected directly between the terminal- |06 and ground. The potentiometer resistance lllof` Figure 1 has .been replaced; by a rheostat type of variable resistance*y t9 0.

The general eiect of this type of circuit is shown in- Figure '7, whereinl a curve S represents the curve corresponding to theY curve L, R of Figure 3. It may be seen that the curve Scorresponds generally to the form of the curve R of Figure 3, but that the portion of the curve represented by L in Figure 3 is replaced in Figure '7 by a. straight line. This is due to the fact that when either the switch arms |-8 and |22 of Figure 6 engages its associated contact, the condenser |S| is suddenlyy shunted, and discharges quickly through7 adeadshort circuit, permitting a sudden change in the potential of terminal |06. This quickly overcomes the signal potential and deenergizes the relay after only a short period of energization. When the relay is deenergized, the shunt-*around the condenser |9| is opened, andA the condenser charges slowly, depending upon. the time constant of the circuit including the condenser and. the resistances in series with it throughA which itis charged.

lIllhe following table gives values of the various resistances and condensers which have been used in oneembodiment of. the circuit of Figure 6:

megohm. 1 megohm. Mmegohm. i megohm.

M megohm.

12 microfarads. .05 microfarad. 0.1 megohm. microfarad.

While we have shown and described certain preferred embodiments of our invention, other 1-'6 modifications will occur" to those skilled-V in. the art,Y and' therefore we wish our invention to be limited. only by the` appended claims.

We claim as our invention:

1'. Control apparatus, comprising in combina,- ti'on, means for producing an electrical signal' potential, a relay, amplifier means normally re-f sponsive to said potential for energizing: said" relay in accordance therewith, and means including a circuit controlled by said relay for rendering said amplifier means unresponsiveto said: potential when said relay is energized; thereby causing intermittent operation of said relay.

2. Control apparatus, comprising in combination, means for producing an alternating electrical' signal potential,v relay means including an electrical winding, amplier means having an input circuit and an output circuit and an input potential-output current characteristic including a rst portion wherein the output current varies substantially as a linear function ofsaid input potential and a second portion immediately adjacent said rst portion wherein the output current is substantially constant', means associated with said input circuit for impressing thereon aunidirectional biasing potential effective to cause said ampliher means to operate normally on said second portion of said characteristic, means for impressing said signal potential on saidf input circuit, said signal potential being effective whenV its amplitude is in excess of a value determined by the magnitude of said biasing potential to cause operation ofv said amplifier means on said first portion of said characteristic, means responsive to variation of the output current of said" amplifier means for energizing said relay winding, and means responsive to energization of said relay winding for impressing on said input circuit an additional unidirectional potential tending to restore said amplifier means to operation o-n said second characteristic portion, and thereby to cause intermittent energization` of said winding.

3. Control apparatus, comprising in combination, means for producing an alternating electrical signal potential, relay meansincluding an electrical winding, amplifier means having an input circuit andA an output circuit and an input potential-output current characteristic including a iirst portiony wherein the output current Varies substantially as a. linear function of said input 4potential and a second portion immediately adjacent said first portion wherein the output current is substantially constant, means associated with, said input circuit for impressing thereon a positive biasing potential effective to cause said amplier means tov operate normally on said second portion of said characteristic, means for impressing said signal potentialI on said input circuit, said signalA potential being eiective when its amplitude is in excess of a value determined by the magnitude of said biasing potential to cause operation of said amplifier means on said first portion ot said characteristic, means responsive to variation of the output current of, said amplifier means for energizing said. relay winding, a source of negative potential normally connected to said input circuit., and means responsive to energization of said relay winding for eiectively disconnectingsaid source from said input circuit, so as to render said` biasing potential more positive and to restore said amplifier means to operation on said second characteristic portion, thereby causing intermittent energization of said winding.

4. Control apparatus, comprising in combination, means for producing an alternating electrical signal potential, relay means including an aceites electrical winding and contacts controlled therewherein the output current varies substantially as a linear function of said input potential and a second portion immediately adjacent said nrst portion wherein the output current is substantially constant, means associated with said input circuit for impressing thereon a positive biasing potential effective to cause said amplier means to operate normally on said second portion of said characteristic means for impressing said signal potential on said input circuit, said signal potential being effective when its amplitude is in excess of a value determined by the magnitude of said biasing potential to cause intermittent operation of said amplier means on said first portion of said characteristic, means responsive to variation of the output current of said amplier means for energizing said relay winding, and means including a circuit controlled .by said contacts for impressing on said input circuit an additional positive potential tending to restore said ampliiier means to operation on said second characteristic portion, and thereby to cause intermittent energization of said winding.

5. Control apparatus, comprising in combination, means for producing an alternating electrical signal potential, relay means including an electrical winding, amplier means including an electric discharge device having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, an input circuit including said control electrode and cathode, and an output circuit including said anode and cathode, said amplier means having an input potential-output current characteristic including a first portion wherein the output current varies substantially as a linear function of said input potential and a second portion immediatelyY ad jacent said first portion wherein the outputicurrent is substantially constant, two sources of unidirectional electrical potential, means connecting the positive and negative terminals of one of said sources to said anode and cathode, respectively, a voltage divider connected across both said sources in series, a connection between a tap on said divider and said input circuit. to impress on said input circuit a positive biasing potential effective to cause said ampliiier means to operate normally on said second portion of said characteristic, means for impressing said signal potential on said input circuit, said signal potential being eiective when its amplitude is in excess of a value determined by the magnitude of said biasing potential to cause operation of said amplier means on said iirst portion of said characteristic, means responsive to variation of the output current of said ampliiier means for energizing said relay fwinding, and means responsive to energization of said relay winding for substantially shunting the other of said sources so as to cause the biasing potential impressed on said input circuit to increase in a positive direction, thereby tending to restore said amplier means to operation on said second characteristic portion and to cause intermittent energization of said winding.

6. Control apparatus, comprising in combination, means for producing an alternating electrical signalpotential, relay means including an electrical winding, amplier means including an 18 electrical discharge device having an anode, a cathode, and a control electrode, an input circuit including said control electrode and cathode, and an output circuit including said anode and cathode, said amplier means having an input potential-output current characteristic including a rst portion wherein the output current varies substantially as a linear function of said input poten- 'tial and a second portion immediately adjacent said first portion wherein the output current is substantially constant, a source of unidirectional electrical potential, means connecting the positive and negative terminals of said source to said anc de and cathode, respectively, a voltage divider connected across said source, a connection between a tap on said divider and said input circuit to impress on said input circuit a positive biasing potential effective to cause said amplifier means to operate normally on said second portion of said characteristic, means for impressing said signal potential on said input circuit, said signal potential being elective when its amplitude is in excess of a value determined by the magnitude of said biasing potential to cause operation of said ampliiier means on said first portion of said characteristic, means responsive to variation of the output current of said amplifier means for energizing said relay winding, and means responsive to energizaticn of said relay winding for establishing a second connection between the positive terminal of said source and said input circuit to impress thereon an additional positive potential tending to restore said amplier means to operation on said second characteristic portion, and thereby to cause intermittent energization of said winding. 7. Electrical control apparatus, comprising in combination, a device to be controlled, means responsive to a condition indicative of the need for operation of said device for producing an alternating electrical signal potential, relay means including an electrical winding and a plurality of switch means operated in accordance with the energization of said winding, amplifier means having an inputJ circuit and an output circuit, said amplier means being responsive to said signal potential and eifective when the amplitude of said signal potential exceeds a minimum value to produce a variation ofthe current in said output circuit corresponding to the excess of said signal potential over said minimum value, means responsive to variation of saidoutput current for causing energization of said relay winding, means including an electrical circuit controlled by certain of said switch means and eiective upon energization of said relay winding to impress on said input circuit a unidirectional potential of a polarity such as to increase said minimum value, andthereby to cause intermittent energization of said relay, and an electrical circuit controlled by another of said switch means and including said device.

8. Contro-l apparatus, comprising in combination, means for producing an alternating electrical signal potential, relay means including an electrical winding, ampliiier means having an input circuit and an output circuit, said amplier means being responsive to said signal potential and effective when the amplitude of said signal potential exceeds a minimum'value to produce a variation of the current in said output Ycircuit corresponding to the excess of said signal potential over said minimum value, means responsive to variation of said output current'for causing energization of said relay winding, and means responsive to energization of said relay Winding for impressing on said input circuit a unidirectional potential of a polarity such as to increase said minimum value, thereby causing inter-mitw tent energization oi said relay when said signal potential lies within a range of values determined by said unidirectional potential, and means for adjusting said unidirectional potential so as to determine said range ol values.

9. Control apparatus, comprising in combinau tion, means for producing an alternating electrical signal potential, relay means including an electrical Winding, amplier means including an electrical discharge device having anode, a cathode, and a control electrode, an input circuit including said control electrode and cathode, and an output circuit including said anode and cathode, said amplifier means having an input potential-output current characteristic including a nrst portion wherein the output current varies substantially as a linear function of said input potential and a second portion immediately adjacent said rst portion wherein the output current is substantially constant, a source ci unidirectional electrical potential, means connecting the positive and negative terminals of said source to said anode and cathode, respectively, a voltage divider connected across said source, a connection between a tap on said divider and said input circuit to impress thereon a positive biasing potential effective to cause said amplifier means to operate normally on said second portion of sai-:i characteristic, means for impressing said signal poten- -tial on said input circuit, said signal potential being effective when its amplitude is in excess of a minimum value determined by the magnitude of said biasing potential to cause operation of said amplier means on said first portion of said characteristic, means for adjusting said tap so as to change said minimum value, means responsive to Variation of the output current oi said amplifier means for energizing said relay winding, means responsive to energization of said relay winding for establishing a second connection loetween the positive terminal of said source and said input circuit to impress thereon an additional positive potential tending to restore said ampliiier means to operation on said second characteristic portion, and thereby to cause Lrirrittent energization of said winding, and variable impedance means in said second connection for varying said additional potential so as to determine the range of values of said signal wherein said second conn nection is elective to cause intermittent enen gization of said winding.

10. Control apparatus, comprising in combi-- nation, means for producing an alternating elec trical signal potential, relay means including an electrical Winding, amplier means having an input circuit and an output circuit, said ampliiier means being responsive to said signal potential and effective when the amplitude ci said signal potential exceeds a minimum value to produce a variation of the current in said output circuit corresponding to the excess of said signal potential over said minimum value, means responsive to variation of said output current for causing energizationof said relay winding, means responsive to energization of said relay Winding re1- impressing on said input circuit a undirec'tional potential of a polarity such as to increase sai-d minimum value, thereby causing intermittent energization of said relay, and means including a condenser for controlling the rate of varation of said unidirectional potential.

11. Control apparatus, comprising in combiminimum value to ol the current in said output circuit corresponding to the excess of said signal potential ov sai-d minimum value, means responsive to of said output current for causing energzstion ci relay winding, and means respon 've to energize-.tion of said relay winding for ii, on said input circuit a unidirectional pot of a polarity such as to increase said mini um value, ther-eey causing intermittent ene g ation or" said relay, said lastm named means including cornlenser means for delaying the r of application of said unidirectional potential to input circuit.

l2. Control apparatus, comprising i'i combination, means lor producing an alternating elecm trical signal pi ntial, relay means including an electrical will. and contacts operated thereby to closed n upon enorgization of said winding, anpllner means liaving an .input circuit and en output circuit, said anipliiier means loe-- ing responsive to said signal potential and eicctive when the amplitude or" said signal potential exceeds a minimum value 'to produce a variation of tne current in said output circuit corresponding to the excess of said signal potential over said minimum value, 'ieans responsive to variation of said output current for causing energisation of relay winding, and means re" sponsive to energizaton of said relay winding for impressing on said input circuit a unidirec tional potential of a polarity such as to increase inix'iimurn value, thereby causing intermittent eneA ization of relay, said last-nanzed means lading a condenser shunted upon closure of said contacts but effective upon opening of contacts to delay restoration of the potential conditions in said circuit to their normal state.

i3. Electrical control a', comprising in combination, o device to be positioned, driving` means for qevice, a pair of relays for selectively ccntrollinpr the operation of said driving means for rotation of said device in opposite du rections, a source of alternating ciectrical energy, a normally balanced electrical network connect-- ed to said source and including a pair or output terminals having a potential difference of magnitudc and phase dependent upon the magnitude and diiccton oi ol? l ctworlt, means responsive to a condition indicative of the for operation of said device for unbalancing said network, means driven by said drivm ing means for rehalanclng said network, means including an electronic amplier for coupling said output teri'ninals and said relays to selectively energiae said relays in accordance with the direction of unbalance of network, means for varying the sen lvity of said amplifier to said potential ciill ,-ence, and moans ccmnectingr said relays and said last mentioned yns to affoot tnc operation thereof, in such a fashion as to reduce the sensitivity of said amplifier, when either or' said relays is energized, thereby causing intermittent operation of the selected relay when the magnitude of said potential difference lies Within a predetermined range of values.

14.-. Electrical control apparatus, comprising in combination, a device to be positioned, driving means for said device, a pair of relays for selectively controlling the operation of said driving means for rotation of said device in opposite directions, a source of alternating electrical energy, a normally balanced electrical network connected to said source and including a pair of output terminals have a potential difference of magnitude and phase dependent upon the magnitude and direction of unbalance of said network, means responsive to a condition indicative of the need for operation of said device for unbalancing said network, means driven by said driving means for rebalancing said network, means including an electronic amplifier for coupling said output terminals and said relays to selectively energize said relays in accordance Iwith the direction of unbalance of said network, circuit means controlled by said relays for reducing the sensitivity of said amplifier to said potential difference when either of said relays is energized, said amplier and circuit means cooperating upon an increase in said potential difference to cause intermittent operation of the selected relay as soon as said potential difference exceeds a rst predetermined value and upon a decrease in said potential difference from a value greater than said rst value to continue intermittent operation cf the selected relay until said amplitude becomes less than a second value smaller than said rst value, and means effective upon a rapid change in said potential diierenoe occurring as an incident to a rapid reversal in the direction of unbalance of said network to cause intermittent operation of the selected relay as soon as said potential dierence exceeds said second value, thereby anticipating further unbalance of said network.

15. Control apparatus which includes: a relay having a pair of contacts closed upon energizan tion thereof; an amplifier responsive to an electric signal potential and having an input potential-output current characteristic including a nrst portion wherein the output current varies substantially as a linear function of said input potential, and a second portion wherein the output current is substantially constant, said amplifier normally operating on said second portion of said characteristic, but operating on said rst portion of said characteristic when said signal potential exceeds a predetermined value, said relay boing connected to said amplifier and energized when said amplifier is operated on said first portion or" said characteristic; and means connected to said amplifier and operated by the closure of said contacts to shift the operation of said amplifier' from said first portion toward the second portion of said characteristic.

16. Control apparatus comprising in combination: a relay; an electronic amplifier responsive to an alternating signal potential of variable amplitude; means including said amplifier and cffective when said signal amplitude exceeds a first predetermined value to cause intermittent operation of said relay, and when said signal ampli-- tude exceeds a second prodetermined value to cause continuous operation of said relay; and means for adjusting said first means to vary said first predetermined value without aiiecting said second predetermined value.

17. Control apparatus comprising in combination: a relay; an electronic amplifier responsive to an alternating signal potential of variable amplitude; means including said amplifier and effective when said signal amplitude exceeds a first predetermined value to cause intermittent oper- CFI ' said relay when said ation of said relay, and when said signal amplitude exceeds a second predetermined value to cause continuous operation of said relay; and means for adjusting said rst means to vary either of said predetermined values without affecting the other of said values.

1S. Control apparatus comprising in combination: a relay; an electronic amplifier responsive to an alternating signal potential of variable amplitude; means including said amplifier and efective upon an increase in the amplitude of said signal potential to cause intermittent operation of said relay as soon as said amplitude exceeds a first predetermined value; and means connected to said first means and eiective upon a decrease in said amplitude from a value greater than said first value to continue intermittent operation of said relay until said amplitude becomes less than a second value smaller than said rst value.

19. Control apparatus comprising in combination: a relay; an electronic amplifier responsive to an alternating signal potential of variable magnitude; means including said amplier and effective upon an increase in the amplitude of said signal potential to cause intermittent operation of said relay as soon as said amplitude exceeds aflrst predetermined value; means connected to said first means and effective upon a decrease in said amplitude from a value greater than said first value to continue intermittent operation of said relay until said amplitude becomes less than a second value smaller than said first value; and means for adjusting said last means to vary simultaneously said rst and second values.

2). Control apparatus, comprising in combination, relay, amplier means normally responsive to an electrical signal potential for energizing said relay in accordance therewith, and means ccntrolied by said relay for reducing the sensitivity of said amplifier to said potential when said relay is effectively energized to such an extent that when said signal lies within a predetermined range of values said relay is effectively deenergized, thereby causing intermittent operation of signal lies within said predetermined range of values.

2i. Electrical control apparatus, comprising in combination, a device to be positioned, driving means for said device, a pair of relays for selectively controlling the operation of said driving means for rotation of said device in opposite directions, a source of alternating electrical energy, a normally balanced electrical network connected to said source and including a pair of output terminals having a potential difference of magnitude and phase dependent upon the magnitude and direction of unbalance of said network, means responsive to a condition indicative of the need for operation of said device for unbalancing said network, means driven by said driving means for rebalancing said network, electronic amplifier means for coupling said output terminals and said relays to selectively energize said relays in accordance with the direction of unbalance of said network, and means associated with said amplifier means for causing intermittent energization of the selected relay for periods of time which vary substantially as a linear function of the magnitude of said potential difference.

22. Electrical control apparatus, comprising in combination, a device to be positioned, driving means for said device, a pair of relays for selectively controlling the operation of said driving means for rotation of said device in opposite directions, a source of alternating electrical energy,

a normally balanced electrical network connected to said source and including a pair of output terminals having a potential difterence of magnitude and phase dependent upon the magnitude and direction of unbalance of said network, means responsive to a condition indicative of the need for operation of said device for unbalancingr said network, means driven by said driving means for rebalancing said network, electronic amplifier means for coupling said output terminals and said relays to selectively energize said relays in accordance with the direction of unbalance of said network, and means associated with said amplier means for causing intermittentl energization of the selected relay for periods of time which vary substantially as a linear function of the magnitude of said potential dilerence when said potential diierence lies within a predetermined range of values, and for causing continuous operation of the selected relay when said potential diierence exceeds said range of values.

23. Control apparatus comprising in combination: relay means including an electrical winding and control means operated thereby upon energization thereof; electronic amplifier means responsive to an alternating electrical signal potential of variable magnitude and controlling the current flow to said winding; and means associated with said amplier to Vary the sensitivity thereof to variably interrupt the energization of said control means in such a manner that the total operating time of said control means Varies directly as the magnitude of said signal.

24. Control apparatus comprising in combination: relay means including an electrical winding and control means operated thereby upon energization thereof; electronic amplifier means responsive to an alternating electrical signal potential of variable magnitude and controlling the energization of said winding; and means associated with said amplifier means and operated by said control means to variably interrupt the energization of said control means in such a manner that the total operating time of said control means varies directly as the magnitude of such signal when said signal lies within a predetermined range of values, and to cause continuous operation of said control means when said signal exceeds said range of values.

25. Control apparatus comprising in combination: relay means including an electrical winding and. control means operated thereby upon energization thereof; electronic amplifier means responsive to an alternating electrical signal potential of variable magnitude and controlling the current flow to said winding; means associated with said amplifier means and operated by said control means to variably interrupt the operation of said control means in such a manner that the total operating time of said control means varies directly as the magnitude of said signal; and means connected to said amplier for establish- 2d ing the minimum value ol said .signal which causes operation of said control means.

26. Control apparatus comprising in combination: relay means including an electrical 'winding and control means operated thereby upon en ergization thereof; electronic ampliiicr means responsive to an alternating electrical signal potential of variable magnitude .and controlling the current flow to said winding; means connected l0 to said amplier means and operated by said con trol means to variably interrupt the operation of said control means in such a manner that the total operating time of said control means varies directly as the magnitude of; said signal when said signal lies within a predetermined range of values, and to cause continuous operation ol said control means when said signal exceeds said range of values; and means connected to said amplifier for establishing the value of said signal at which operation of said control means becomes continun energization thereof; electronic am;

ous,

27. Control apparatus con'iprisi'ric' in combina-- tion: relay means including an electrical winding and control means and operated thereby upon GI' )lili-)ELUS responsive to an alternating electrical signal potential of variable magnitude and controlling the current flow to said winding; means associated with said amplifier means operated by said control means to variably interrupt the operation or said control means in such a manner that the total operating time of said control inc-ans varies directly as the magnitude ol said signal whesaid signal lies within a predetermined range or values and to cause a continuous operation of said control means when said signal exceeds range oi' values; means connected to said amplier ier establishing the minimum value of signal which. causes operation of said control means; and fur- 40 ther means connected to amplifier for establishing the value of said signal at which operation of said control means becomes continuous.

VVliLS H. GILLE. WLLIAM J'. FIELD. ALBERT P. UPTON.

The following references .F iile ol this patent.

UNITED 

